High strength alloy steels and methods of making the same

ABSTRACT

A method for producing alloy steel is provided. An alloy mixture may be melted to produce a melted alloy mixture. The alloy mixture comprises 2 to 4 weight % chromium (Cr), 12 to 16 weight % manganese (Mn), at most 4 weight % silicone (Si), 1 to 3 weight % aluminum (Al), at most 0.3 weight % carbon (C) and iron (Fe). The melted alloy mixture may be formed into a product. The product may be heated to produce a thermally homogenized product. The thermally homogenized product may be hot rolled into a plate with a first thickness. The plate may be warm rolled at a warm rolling temperature until the plate has a second thickness. The warm rolling temperature may be configured such that a crystal structure of the plate has 30 to 70 volume % austenite. The warm rolling temperature may be between 350° C. and 550° C.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to and is a divisional of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/005,716 filed on Jun. 12, 2018, which isincorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

BACKGROUND

Alloy steels are used in a variety of applications, such as motorvehicles, ships, roads, railways, appliances, buildings, etc. Productionof alloy steels having reduced weight, superior mechanical properties(e.g., tensile strength, yield strength, ductility, etc.), lowermaterial costs, etc. is a challenge but is imperative for improving manyof the applications. For example, developing advanced alloy steels withsuperior mechanical properties may allow for using a reduced amount ofalloy steel while maintaining sufficient strength. Accordingly, a weightof a motor-vehicle employing the advanced alloy steels may be less thana second motor-vehicle employing less-advanced alloy steels. In thisway, fuel consumption and/or costs of the motor vehicle may be reduced,while safety of the motor vehicle may be increased, as a result of thesuperior mechanical properties of the advanced alloy steel. Further,using a lower percentage of high-cost materials may reduce costs of theadvanced alloy steels and/or the motor vehicle employing them. Further,any improvement in tensile strength, yield strength, ductility mayresult in more effective performance in industrial applications.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the detaileddescription. This summary is not intended to identify key factors oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

In an example, an alloy steel is provided. The alloy steel may comprise2 to 4 weight % chromium (Cr). The alloy steel may comprise 12 to 16weight % manganese (Mn). The alloy steel may comprise at most 4 weight %silicone (Si). The alloy steel may comprise 1 to 3 weight % aluminum(Al). The alloy steel may comprise at most 0.3 weight % carbon (C). Thealloy steel may comprise iron (Fe).

In an example, a method for producing an alloy steel is provided. Analloy mixture may be melted to produce a melted alloy mixture (e.g., aliquid state of the alloy mixture). The melted alloy mixture may beformed into a product. The product may be heated to produce a thermallyhomogenized product. The thermally homogenized product may be hot rolledinto a plate with a first thickness. The plate may be warm rolled at awarm rolling temperature until the plate has a second thickness. Thewarm rolling temperature may be configured such that a crystal structureof the plate has 30 to 70 volume % austenite.

In an example, a method for producing an alloy steel is provided. Analloy mixture may be melted to produce a melted alloy mixture. The alloymixture may comprise 2 to 4 weight % chromium (Cr). The alloy mixturemay comprise 12 to 16 weight % manganese (Mn). The alloy mixture maycomprise at most 4 weight % silicone (Si). The alloy mixture maycomprise 1 to 3 weight % aluminum (Al). The alloy mixture may compriseat most 0.3 weight % carbon (C). The alloy mixture may comprise iron(Fe). The melted alloy mixture may be formed into a product. The productmay be heated to produce a thermally homogenized product. The thermallyhomogenized product may be hot rolled into a plate with a firstthickness. The plate may be warm rolled at a warm rolling temperatureuntil the plate has a second thickness. The warm rolling temperature maybe configured such that a crystal structure of the plate has 30 to 70volume % austenite.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the techniques presented herein may be embodied in alternativeforms, the particular embodiments illustrated in the drawings are only afew examples that are supplemental of the description provided herein.These embodiments are not to be interpreted in a limiting manner, suchas limiting the claims appended hereto.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a table of a plurality of alloy steels anda plurality of chemical compositions corresponding to the plurality ofalloy steels.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of an exemplary method for producing an alloysteel.

FIG. 3A is an illustration of an exemplary process for producing analloy steel, where an alloy mixture is melted to produce a melted alloymixture.

FIG. 3B is an illustration of an exemplary process for producing analloy steel, where a melted alloy mixture is formed into a product.

FIG. 3C is an illustration of an exemplary process for producing analloy steel, where a product is heated to produce a thermallyhomogenized product.

FIG. 3D is an illustration of an exemplary process for producing analloy steel, where a thermally homogenized product is hot rolled toproduce a plate with a first thickness.

FIG. 3E is an illustration of an exemplary process for producing analloy steel, where a plate is heated using a furnace.

FIG. 3F is an illustration of an exemplary process for producing analloy steel, where a plate is warm rolled at a warm rolling temperatureuntil the plate has a second thickness.

FIG. 3G is an illustration of an exemplary process for producing analloy steel, where a plate is heat treated using a furnace.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a table of a plurality of heat treatmentprocesses, a plurality of heat treatment temperatures corresponding tothe plurality of heat treatment processes and a plurality of durationsof time corresponding to the plurality of heat treatment processes.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a table of a plurality of densitymeasurements corresponding to a plurality of alloy steels.

FIG. 6A is an illustration of a first part of a table of mechanicalproperties corresponding to a plurality of alloy steels.

FIG. 6B is an illustration of a second part of a table of mechanicalproperties corresponding to a plurality of alloy steels.

FIG. 6C is an illustration of a third part of a table of mechanicalproperties corresponding to a plurality of alloy steels.

FIG. 6D is an illustration of a fourth part of a table of mechanicalproperties corresponding to a plurality of alloy steels.

FIG. 7A is an illustration of a table of mechanical propertiescorresponding to a set of alloy steels.

FIG. 7B is an illustration of a stress-strain diagram corresponding toan Alloy 13.

FIG. 7C is an illustration of a stress-strain diagram corresponding toan Alloy 19.

FIG. 7D is an illustration of a stress-strain diagram corresponding toan Alloy 23.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of a table of mechanical propertiescorresponding to an Alloy 13, an Alloy 19 and an Alloy 23.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following subject matter may be embodied in a variety of differentforms, such as methods, compositions, materials, and/or systems.Accordingly, this subject matter is not intended to be construed aslimited to any example embodiments set forth herein. Rather, exampleembodiments are provided merely to be illustrative.

All numerical values within the detailed description and the claimsherein are modified by “about” or “approximately” the indicated value,and take into account experimental error and variations that would beexpected by a person having ordinary skill in the art.

Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that eachintervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit unlessthe context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lowerlimit of that range and any other stated or intervening value in thatstated range is encompassed within the disclosure. Ranges from any lowerlimit to any upper limit are contemplated. The upper and lower limits ofthese smaller ranges which may independently be included in the smallerranges is also encompassed within the disclosure, subject to anyspecifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated rangeincludes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either both ofthose included limits are also included in the disclosure.

Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to thosedescribed herein can also be used in the practice or testing of thepresent disclosure, the preferred methods and materials are nowdescribed. All publications mentioned herein are incorporated herein byreference to disclose and described the methods and/or materials inconnection with which the publications are cited.

It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, thesingular forms “a”, “and”, and “the” include plural references unlessthe context clearly dictates otherwise.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art to which this disclosure belongs. The terminology used in thedescription of the disclosure herein is for describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure.All publications, patent applications, patents, figures and otherreferences mentioned herein are expressly incorporated by reference intheir entirety.

1. Alloy Composition

The present disclosure provides steel compositions. In some examples,one or more of the steel compositions of the present disclosure provideimprovements to one or more of the following properties: yield stress,ultimate tensile strength, total elongation, etc.

FIG. 1 presents a table 100 of a plurality of alloy steels and aplurality of chemical compositions corresponding to the plurality ofalloy steels. The plurality of chemical compositions may comprise weightpercentages corresponding to elements comprised within the plurality ofalloy steels. In some examples, weight percentages are based upon totalweights of each alloy steel of the plurality of alloy steels. Forexample, an alloy 1 (e.g., corresponding to an alloy steel) may compriseabout 16.8 weight % chromium (Cr), about 13.1 weight % nickel (Ni),about 3.4 weight % silicone (Si) and/or about 2.0% aluminum (Al).

Each weight % value of a plurality of weight percentage values of thetable 100 may correspond to a range of weight percentage values. Forexample, each range of weight percentage values may range from a lowerlimit to an upper limit. The lower limit may be one of: about 20 weight% less than a corresponding weight % value, preferably about 5 weight %less than the corresponding weight % value, more preferably about 0.5weight % less than the corresponding weight % value, even morepreferably about 0.1 weight % less than the corresponding weight %value, or especially preferred about 0.05 weight % less than thecorresponding weight % value. The upper limit may be one of: about 20weight % greater than the corresponding weight % value, preferably about5 weight % greater than the corresponding weight % value, morepreferably about 0.5 weight % greater than the corresponding weight %value, even more preferably about 0.1 weight % greater than thecorresponding weight % value, or especially preferred about 0.05 weight% greater than the corresponding weight % value.

Accordingly, the chromium of the alloy 1 may be present at a percentagewithin a first range (e.g., wherein the first range is one of: about 0to 36.8 weight %, preferably about 11.8 to 21.8 weight %, morepreferably about 16.3 to 17.3 weight %, even more preferably about 16.7to 16.9 weight %, or especially preferred about 16.75 to 16.85 weight%), the nickel of the alloy 1 may be present at a percentage within asecond range (e.g., wherein the second range is one of: about 0 to 33.1weight %, preferably about 8.1 to 18.1 weight %, more preferably about12.6 to 13.6 weight %, even more preferably about 13.0 to 13.2 weight %,or especially preferred about 13.05 to 13.15 weight %), etc.

In some examples, an alloy 13 of the table 100 may be providedcomprising chromium, manganese, silicone, aluminum and/or carbon. Insome examples, iron (Fe) may constitute the substantial balance of thealloy 13. Alternatively and/or additionally, a combination of ironand/or one or more (e.g., other) elements may constitute a substantialbalance of the alloy 13.

The chromium of the alloy 13 may be present at about 3.0 weight %.Alternatively and/or additionally, the chromium of the alloy 13 may bepresent at a percentage within a third range (e.g., wherein the thirdrange is one of: about 0 to 23 weight %, preferably about 0 to 8 weight%, more preferably about 2.5 to 3.5 weight %, even more preferably about2.9 to 3.1 weight %, or especially preferred about 2.95 to 3.05 weight%). The manganese of the alloy 13 may be present at about 14.0 weight %.Alternatively and/or additionally, the manganese of the alloy 13 may bepresent at a percentage within a fourth range (e.g., wherein the fourthrange is one of: about 0 to 34 weight %, preferably about 9 to 19 weight%, more preferably about 13.5 to 14.5 weight %, even more preferablyabout 13.9 to 14.1 weight %, or especially preferred about 13.95 to14.05 weight %). The silicone of the alloy 13 may be present at about1.0 weight %. Alternatively and/or additionally, the silicone of thealloy 13 may be present at a percentage within a fifth range (e.g.,wherein the fifth range is one of: about 0 to 21 weight %, preferablyabout 0 to 6 weight %, more preferably about 0.5 to 1.5 weight %, evenmore preferably about 0.9 to 1.1 weight %, or especially preferred about0.95 to 1.05 weight %). The aluminum of the alloy 13 may be present at2.0 weight %. Alternatively and/or additionally, the aluminum of thealloy 13 may be present at a percentage within a sixth range (e.g.,wherein the sixth range is one of: about 0 to 22 weight %, preferablyabout 0 to 7 weight %, more preferably about 1.5 to 2.5 weight %, evenmore preferably about 1.9 to 2.1 weight %, or especially preferred about1.95 to 2.05 weight %). The carbon of the alloy 13 may be present atabout 0.1 weight %. Alternatively and/or additionally, the carbon of thealloy 13 may be present at a percentage within a seventh range (e.g.,wherein the seventh range is one of: about 0 to 10 weight %, preferablyabout 0 to 5 weight %, more preferably about 0 to 0.6 weight %, evenmore preferably about 0 to 0.2 weight %, or especially preferred about0.05 to 0.15 weight %).

In some examples, an alloy 19 of the table 100 may be providedcomprising chromium, manganese, silicone, copper (Cu), aluminum and/orcarbon. In some examples, iron may constitute the substantial balance ofthe alloy 19. Alternatively and/or additionally, a combination of ironand/or one or more (e.g., other) elements may constitute a substantialbalance of the alloy 19.

The copper of the alloy 19 may be present at about 2.0 weight %.Alternatively and/or additionally, the copper of the alloy 19 may bepresent at a percentage within an eight range (e.g., wherein the eighthrange is one of: about 0 to 22 weight %, preferably about 0 to 7 weight%, more preferably about 1.5 to 2.5 weight %, even more preferably about1.9 to 2.1 weight %, or especially preferred about 1.95 to 2.05 weight%). The chromium of the alloy 19 may be present at about 3.0 weight %.Alternatively and/or additionally, the chromium of the alloy 19 may bepresent at a percentage within the third range. The manganese of thealloy 19 may be present at about 14.0 weight %. Alternatively and/oradditionally, the manganese of the alloy 19 may be present at apercentage within the fourth range. The silicone of the alloy 19 may bepresent at about 1.0 weight %. Alternatively and/or additionally, thesilicone of the alloy 19 may be present at a percentage within the fifthrange. The aluminum of the alloy 19 may be present at about 2.0 weight%. Alternatively and/or additionally, the aluminum of the alloy 19 maybe present at a percentage within the sixth range. The carbon of thealloy 19 may be present at about 0.1 weight %. Alternatively and/oradditionally, the carbon of the alloy 19 may be present at a percentagewithin the seventh range.

In some examples, an alloy 23 of the table 100 may be providedcomprising chromium, nickel, manganese, silicone, copper, aluminumand/or carbon. In some examples, iron may constitute the substantialbalance of the alloy 23. Alternatively and/or additionally, acombination of iron and/or one or more (e.g., other) elements mayconstitute a substantial balance of the alloy 23.

The chromium of the alloy 23 may be present at about 2.5 weight %.Alternatively and/or additionally, the chromium of the alloy 23 may bepresent at a percentage within a ninth range (e.g., wherein the ninthrange is one of: about 0 to 22.5 weight %, preferably about 0 to 7.5weight %, more preferably about 2 to 3 weight %, even more preferablyabout 2.4 to 2.6 weight %, or especially preferred about 2.45 to 2.55weight %). The nickel of the alloy 23 may be present at about 1.3 weight%. Alternatively and/or additionally, the nickel of the alloy 23 may bepresent at a percentage within a tenth range (e.g., wherein the tenthrange is one of: about 0 to 21.3 weight %, preferably about 0 to 6.3weight %, more preferably about 0.8 to 1.8 weight %, even morepreferably about 1.2 to 1.4 weight %, or especially preferred about 1.25to 1.35 weight %). The manganese of the alloy 23 may be present at about14.0 weight %. Alternatively and/or additionally, the manganese of thealloy 23 may be present at a percentage within the fourth range. Thesilicone of the alloy 23 may be present at about 2.7 weight %.Alternatively and/or additionally, the silicone of the alloy 23 may bepresent at a percentage within an eleventh range (e.g., wherein theninth range is one of: about 0 to 22.7 weight %, preferably about 0 to7.7 weight %, more preferably about 2.2 to 3.2 weight %, even morepreferably about 2.6 to 2.8 weight %, or especially preferred about 2.65to 2.75 weight %). The copper of the alloy 23 may be present at about0.8 weight %. Alternatively and/or additionally, the copper of the alloy23 may be present at a percentage within a twelfth range (e.g., whereinthe twelfth range is one of: about 0 to 20.8 weight %, preferably about0 to 5.8 weight %, more preferably about 0.3 to 1.3 weight %, even morepreferably about 0.7 to 0.9 weight %, or especially preferred about 0.75to 0.85 weight %). The aluminum of the alloy 23 may be present at about2.0 weight %. Alternatively and/or additionally, the aluminum of thealloy 23 may be present at a percentage within the sixth range. Thecarbon of the alloy 23 may be present at about 0.2 weight %.Alternatively and/or additionally, the carbon of the alloy 23 may bepresent at a percentage within a thirteenth range (e.g., wherein thethirteenth range is one of: about 0 to 10 weight %, preferably about 0to 5.2 weight %, more preferably about 0 to 0.7 weight %, even morepreferably about 0.1 to 0.3 weight %, or especially preferred about 0.15to 0.25 weight %).

2. Processing 2.1 Processing Example 1

FIG. 2 illustrates a method 200 for producing an alloy steel. The method200 may be distinguished as (e.g., an example of) a warm rollingprocess. The warm rolling process may comprise one or more hot rollingsteps and/or one or more warm rolling steps. In some examples, the warmrolling process may (e.g., also) comprise one or more cold rollingsteps. Alternatively and/or additionally, the warm rolling process maynot comprise (any) cold rolling steps.

At 205, an alloy mixture may be melted to produce a melted alloymixture. For example, the alloy mixture, having a compositioncorresponding to an alloy of the plurality of alloys in table 100, maybe melted using a (e.g., vacuum induction melting) furnace. In someexamples, an argon (Ar) atmosphere (e.g., and/or a different type ofatmosphere) may be maintained in the furnace. In this way, the alloymixture may be melted within the argon atmosphere. It may be appreciatedthat melting the alloy mixture within the argon atmosphere may reduce(e.g., and/or eliminate) oxidation of the alloy mixture. In someexamples, the alloy mixture may be melted in an alumina crucible.

At 210, the melted alloy mixture may be formed into a product. Forexample, the melted alloy mixture may be cast in a water-cooled coppermold to form the product. The product may comprise one or more slabs,one or more ingots and/or one or more billets. In some examples, ratherthan forming the melted alloy mixture into the product, the melted alloymixture may be cooled to produce a solid alloy mixture. The solid alloymixture may be re-melted to form a second melted alloy mixture. There-melted alloy mixture may be cast in the water-cooled copper mold toform the product.

At 215, the product may be heated to produce a thermally homogenizedproduct. For example, the product may be heated at a first temperaturefor a first duration of time. For example, the product may be heated tothe first temperature. A temperature of the product may be maintained atthe first temperature (e.g., and/or a second temperature) for the firstduration of time. The first temperature (e.g., and/or the secondtemperature) may be configured such that the product is thermallyhomogenized (e.g., thermally soaked). For example, the thermallyhomogenized product may have a uniform temperature (e.g., throughout thethermally homogenized product).

In some examples, the first temperature may be about 1100° C.Alternatively and/or additionally, the first temperature may be within afirst temperature range (e.g., wherein the first temperature range isone of: about 800° C. to 1200° C., preferably about 1000° C. to 1200°C., more preferably about 1050° C. to 1150° C., even more preferablyabout 1075° C. to 1125° C., or especially preferred about 1090° C. to1110° C.).

In some examples, the first duration of time may be about 4 hours.Alternatively and/or additionally, the first duration of time may bewithin a first time duration range (e.g., wherein the first timeduration range is one of: about 2 hours to 6 hours, preferably about 2.5hours to 5.5 hours, more preferably about 3 hours to 5 hours, even morepreferably about 3.75 hours to 4.25 hours, or especially preferred about3.9 hours to 4.1 hours). Alternatively and/or additionally, the firstduration of time may be greater than 4 hours.

At 220, the thermally homogenized product may be hot rolled to produce aplate with a first thickness. In some examples, the thermallyhomogenized product may be hot rolled at one or more hot rollingtemperatures. For example, the thermally homogenized product may undergohot rolling wherein the thermally homogenized product may be hot rolledat a hot rolling start temperature at a beginning of the hot rolling(e.g., the thermally homogenized product) and the thermally homogenizedproduct may be hot rolled at a hot rolling finishing temperature at anend of the hot rolling (e.g., the thermally homogenized product).

In some examples, the hot rolling start temperature may be about 1100°C. Alternatively and/or additionally, the hot rolling start temperaturemay be within a second temperature range (e.g., wherein the secondtemperature range is one of: about 800° C. to 1200° C., preferably about1000° C. to 1200° C., more preferably about 1050° C. to 1150° C., evenmore preferably about 1090° C. to 1110° C., or especially preferredabout 1095° C. to 1105° C., etc.). Alternatively and/or additionally,the hot rolling start temperature may be greater than 1100° C.

In some examples, the hot rolling finishing temperature may be about900° C. Alternatively and/or additionally, the hot rolling finishingtemperature may be within a third temperature range (e.g., wherein thethird temperature range is one of: about 600° C. to 1200° C., preferablyabout 800° C. to 1000° C., more preferably about 850° C. to 950° C.,even more preferably about 890° C. to 910° C., or especially preferredabout 895° C. to 905° C.). Alternatively and/or additionally, the hotrolling finishing temperature may be greater than 900° C.

In some examples, the first thickness may be about 3 millimeters (mm).Alternatively and/or additionally, the first thickness may be one of:about 1 mm, about 1.5 mm, about 2 mm, about 2.5 mm, about 3.5 mm, about4 mm, about 4.5 mm, about 5 mm, about 6 mm, about 7 mm, about 8 mm,about 9 mm, about 10 mm, about 11 mm, about 12 mm, about 13 mm, about 14mm or about 15 mm. Alternatively and/or additionally, the firstthickness may be within a first thickness range (e.g., wherein the firstthickness range is one of: about 1 mm to 100 mm, preferably about 1 mmto 20 mm, more preferably about 1 mm to 10 mm, even more preferablyabout 1 mm to 5 mm, or especially preferred about 2 mm to 4 mm).

In some examples, a first thickness reduction of a thickness of thethermally homogenized product to the first thickness (e.g., of theplate) may be about 80%. In an example, the thickness of the thermallyhomogenized product may be about 15 mm and the first thickness may beabout 3 mm. Alternatively and/or additionally, the first thicknessreduction of the thickness of the thermally homogenized product to thefirst thickness may be one of: about 50%, about 55%, about 60%, about65%, about 70%, about 75%, about 85%, about 90% or about 95%.Alternatively and/or additionally, the first thickness reduction of thethickness of the thermally homogenized product to the first thicknessmay be within a first reduction range (e.g., wherein the first reductionrange is one of: about 30% to 99%, preferably about 50% to 95%, morepreferably about 60% to 95%, even more preferably about 70% to 90%, orespecially preferred about 75% to 85%).

In some examples, responsive to (e.g., completion of) the hot rollingthe thermally homogenized product (e.g., and/or responsive to producingthe plate with the first thickness), the plate may be cooled (e.g.,using air cooling methods and/or other cooling methods) until the platereaches a fourth temperature. Responsive to the plate reaching thefourth temperature, a plate temperature of the plate may be maintainedat a fifth temperature (e.g., and/or the fourth temperature) for asecond duration of time.

The fourth temperature may be about 700° C. Alternatively and/oradditionally, the fourth temperature may be within a fourth temperaturerange (e.g., wherein the fourth temperature range is one of: about 400°C. to 1000° C., preferably about 600° C. to 800° C., more preferablyabout 650° C. to 750° C., even more preferably about 675° C. to 725° C.,or especially preferred about 690° C. to 710° C.). Alternatively and/oradditionally, the fourth temperature may be greater than 700° C.

The fifth temperature may be about 700° C. Alternatively and/oradditionally, the fifth temperature may be within a fifth temperaturerange (e.g., wherein the fifth temperature range is one of: about 400°C. to 1000° C., preferably about 600° C. to 800° C., more preferablyabout 650° C. to 750° C., even more preferably about 675° C. to 725° C.,or especially preferred about 690° C. to 710° C.). Alternatively and/oradditionally, the fifth temperature may be greater than 700° C.

The second duration of time may be about 1 hour. Alternatively and/oradditionally, the second duration of time may be within a second timeduration range (e.g., wherein the second time duration range is one of:about 0.1 hours to 5 hours, preferably about 0.1 hours to 3 hours, morepreferably about 0.5 hours to 1.5 hours, even more preferably about 0.75hours to 1.25 hours, or especially preferred about 0.9 hours to 1.1hours). Alternatively and/or additionally, the second duration of timemay be greater than 1 hour.

In some examples, the plate may not be cooled until the plate reachesthe fourth temperature and/or the plate temperature of the plate may notbe maintained at the fifth temperature. In some examples, the plate mayundergo a coiling process (e.g., in industrial steel making) (e.g.,rather than being cooled until the plate reaches the fourth temperatureand/or the plate temperature of the plate being maintained at the fifthtemperature).

Responsive to completion of the maintaining the plate temperature of theplate at the fifth temperature (e.g., and/or the fourth temperature) forthe second duration of time and/or responsive to completion of the plateundergoing the coiling process, the plate may be cooled (e.g., using aircooling methods and/or other cooling methods) until the plate reaches asixth temperature.

The sixth temperature may be about 450° C. Alternatively and/oradditionally, the sixth temperature may be within a sixth temperaturerange (e.g., wherein the sixth temperature range is one of: about 150°C. to 750° C., preferably about 350° C. to 550° C., more preferablyabout 400° C. to 500° C., even more preferably about 425° C. to 475° C.,or especially preferred about 440° C. to 460° C.). Alternatively and/oradditionally, the sixth temperature may be greater than 450° C.

At 225, the plate may be warm rolled at a warm rolling temperature untilthe plate has a second thickness. In some examples, the plate may bewarm rolled responsive to the plate reaching the sixth temperature.

In some examples, the second thickness may be about 1 mm. Alternativelyand/or additionally, the second thickness may be one of: about 0.5 mm,about 1.5 mm, about 2 mm, about 2.5 mm, about 3.5 mm, about 4 mm, about4.5 mm, about 5 mm, about 6 mm, about 7 mm, about 8 mm, about 9 mm,about 10 mm, about 11 mm, about 12 mm, about 13 mm, about 14 mm or about15 mm. Alternatively and/or additionally, the second thickness may bewithin a second thickness range (e.g., wherein the second thicknessrange is one of: about 0.1 mm to 100 mm, preferably about 0.1 mm to 20mm, more preferably about 0.1 mm to 10 mm, even more preferably about0.1 mm to 5 mm, or especially preferred 0.5 to 2 mm).

In some examples, a second thickness reduction of the first thickness(e.g., of the plate) to the second thickness (e.g., of the plate) may beabout 66.7%. In an example, the first thickness may be about 3 mm andthe second thickness may be about 1 mm. Alternatively and/oradditionally, the second thickness reduction of the first thickness tothe second thickness may be one of: about 25%, about 30%, about 35%,about 40%, about 45%, about 50%, about 55%, about 60%, about 65%, about70%, about 80%, about 85%, about 90% or about 95%. Alternatively and/oradditionally, the second thickness reduction of the first thickness tothe second thickness may be within a second reduction range (e.g.,wherein the second reduction range is one of: about 30% to 95%,preferably about 40% to 80%, more preferably about 50% to 75%, even morepreferably about 60% to 70%, or especially preferred about 65% to 70%).

The warm rolling temperature may be about 450° C. Alternatively and/oradditionally, the warm rolling temperature may be within a seventhtemperature range (e.g., wherein the seventh temperature range is oneof: about 150° C. to 750° C., preferably about 350° C. to 550° C., morepreferably about 400° C. to 500° C., even more preferably about 425° C.to 475° C., or especially preferred about 440° C. to 460° C.).Alternatively and/or additionally, the seventh temperature may begreater than 450° C.

In some examples, the warm rolling temperature may be equal to the sixthtemperature. Alternatively and/or additionally, the warm rollingtemperature may be approximately equal to the sixth temperature. In someexamples, the warm rolling temperature and/or the sixth temperature maybe configured based upon a phase diagram associated with the compositionof the alloy mixture. The warm rolling temperature and/or the sixthtemperature may be configured such that a crystal structure of thecomposition of the plate has a first level of austenite (e.g., austenitephase) at one or more times (e.g., while the plate is being warm rolledand/or after the plate is warm rolled).

In some examples, the first level of austenite may be about 50 volume %austenite. Alternatively and/or additionally, the first level ofaustenite may be one of: about 20 volume % austenite, about 25 volume %austenite, about 30 volume % austenite, about 35 volume % austenite,about 40 volume % austenite, about 45 volume % austenite, about 55volume ° A austenite, about 60 volume % austenite, about 65 volume %austenite, about 70 volume % austenite, about 75 volume % austenite,about 80 volume ° A austenite, about 85 volume % austenite, about 90volume % austenite, about 95 volume % austenite or about 100 volume %austenite. Alternatively and/or additionally, the first level ofaustenite may be within a first austenite level range (e.g., wherein thefirst austenite level range is one of: about 15 to 95 volume %austenite, preferably about 20 to 90 volume % austenite, more preferablyabout 30 to 70 volume % austenite, even more preferably about 40 to 60volume % austenite, or especially preferred about 45 to 55 volume %austenite).

In some examples, responsive to (e.g., completion of the) warm rollingthe plate, the plate may be heat treated (e.g., and/or annealed) at aheat treatment temperature for a third duration of time. In someexamples, a furnace used for heat treating the plate may be controlledto an accuracy of 2° C. greater than or less than the (e.g., desired)heat treatment temperature, 5° C. greater than or less than the heattreatment temperature, or 10° C. greater than or less than the heattreatment temperature. In some examples, the furnace may be a mufflefurnace. In some examples, a rate of heating of the heat treating theplate may be 10° C. per minute (e.g., and/or a different rate ofheating). In some examples, the plate may be heat treated while (e.g.,positioned) inside of (e.g., and/or on top of, adjacent to, etc.) acast-iron filings medium.

FIG. 4 presents a table 400 of a plurality of heat treatment processes,a plurality of heat treatment temperatures corresponding to theplurality of heat treatment processes and a plurality of durations oftime corresponding to the plurality of heat treatment processes. In someexamples, the plate may be heat treated based upon a heat treatmentprocess of the plurality of heat treatment processes of the table 400.For example, a heat treatment process HT 1 may correspond to a firstheat treatment temperature of about 200° C. and/or a fourth duration oftime of about 20 minutes.

Each heat treatment temperature of the plurality of heat treatmenttemperatures of the table 400 may correspond to a range of heattreatment temperatures. For example, each range of heat treatmenttemperatures may range from a lower limit to an upper limit. The lowerlimit may be one of: about 100° C. less than a corresponding heattreatment temperature, preferably about 60° C. less than thecorresponding heat treatment temperature, more preferably about 40° C.less than the corresponding heat treatment temperature, even morepreferably about 10° C. less than the corresponding heat treatmenttemperature, or especially preferred about 5° C. less than thecorresponding heat treatment temperature. The upper limit may be one of:about 100° C. greater than the corresponding heat treatment temperature,preferably about 60° C. greater than the corresponding heat treatmenttemperature, more preferably about 40° C. greater than the correspondingheat treatment temperature, even more preferably about 10° C. greaterthan the corresponding heat treatment temperature, or especiallypreferred about 5° C. greater than the corresponding heat treatmenttemperature.

Accordingly, the first heat treatment temperature of the first heattreatment process HT1 may be within an eighth temperature range (e.g.,wherein the eighth temperature range is one of: about 100° C. to 300°C., preferably about 140° C. to 260° C., more preferably about 160° C.to 240° C., even more preferably about 190° C. to 210° C., or especiallypreferred about 195° C. to 205° C.

In some examples, the heat treatment temperature (e.g., for heattreating the plate) may be configured such that the crystal structure ofthe composition of the plate has a second level of austenite at one ormore times (e.g., while the plate is being heat treated and/or after theplate is heat treated). In some examples, the second level of austenitemay be about 20 volume % austenite. Alternatively and/or additionally,the second level of austenite may be one of: about 5 volume % austenite,about 10 volume % austenite, about 15 volume % austenite or about 30volume % austenite. Alternatively and/or additionally, the second levelof austenite may be within a second austenite level range (e.g., whereinthe austenite level range is one of: about 5 to 35 volume % austenite,preferably about 10 to 30 volume % austenite, more preferably about 15to 25 volume % austenite, or even more preferably about 18 to 22 volume% austenite).

In some examples, the heat treatment temperature (e.g., for heattreating the plate) may be configured such that the crystal structure ofthe composition of the plate has a third level of austenite at one ormore times (e.g., while the plate is being heat treated and/or after theplate is heat treated). In some examples, the third level of austenitemay be equal to the first level of austenite. Alternatively and/oradditionally, the third level of austenite may be approximately equal tothe first level of austenite. For example, the third level of austenitemay be about 50 volume % austenite. Alternatively and/or additionally,the third level of austenite may be one of: about 35 volume % austenite,about 40 volume % austenite, about 45 volume % austenite, about 55volume % austenite or about 60 volume % austenite. Alternatively and/oradditionally, the third level of austenite may be within a thirdaustenite level range (e.g., wherein the austenite level range is oneof: about 30 to 70 volume % austenite, preferably about 35 to 65 volume% austenite, more preferably about 40 to 60 volume % austenite, evenmore preferably about 45 to 55 volume % austenite, or especiallypreferred about 48 to 52 volume % austenite).

In some examples, the heat treatment temperature (e.g., for heattreating the plate) may be configured such that the crystal structure ofthe composition of the plate has a fourth level of austenite at one ormore times (e.g., while the plate is being heat treated and/or after theplate is heat treated). For example, the fourth level of austenite maybe about 80 volume % austenite. Alternatively and/or additionally, thefourth level of austenite may be one of: about 65 volume % austenite,about 70 volume % austenite, about 75 volume % austenite, about 85volume % austenite or about 90 volume % austenite. Alternatively and/oradditionally, the fourth level of austenite may be within a fourthaustenite level range (e.g., wherein the fourth austenite level range isone of: about 65 to 95 volume % austenite, preferably about 70 to 90volume % austenite, more preferably about 75 to 85 volume % austenite,or even more preferably about 78 to 72 volume % austenite).

In some examples, the heat treatment temperature (e.g., for heattreating the plate) may be configured such that the crystal structure ofthe composition of the plate has a fifth level of austenite at one ormore times (e.g., while the plate is being heat treated and/or after theplate is heat treated). For example, the fifth level of austenite may beabout 100 volume % austenite. Alternatively and/or additionally, thefifth level of austenite may be one of: about 95 volume % austenite,about 96 volume % austenite, about 97 volume % austenite, about 98volume % austenite or about 99 volume % austenite. Alternatively and/oradditionally, the fifth level of austenite may be within a fifthaustenite level range (e.g., wherein the austenite level range is about92 to 100 volume % austenite, preferably about 95 to 100 volume %austenite, or more preferably about 98 to 100 volume %).

In some examples, responsive to (e.g., completion of the) heat treatingthe plate, the plate may be cooled (e.g., using air cooling methodsand/or other cooling methods).

2.2 Processing Example 2

In some examples, a second method for producing an alloy steel may beimplemented. The second method may be distinguished as (e.g., an exampleof) a hot rolling process. The hot rolling process may comprise one ormore hot rolling steps.

In some examples, the hot rolling process may comprise steps similar tosteps 205, 210 and/or 215 of the method 200. For example, responsive toproducing the thermally homogenized product, the thermally homogenizedproduct may be hot rolled to produce a second plate with a thirdthickness. In some examples, the thermally homogenized product may behot rolled at one or more second hot rolling temperatures. For example,the thermally homogenized product may undergo hot rolling wherein thethermally homogenized product may be hot rolled at a second hot rollingstart temperature at a beginning of the hot rolling (e.g., the thermallyhomogenized product) and the thermally homogenized product may be hotrolled at a second hot rolling finishing temperature at an end of thehot rolling (e.g., the thermally homogenized product).

In some examples, the second hot rolling start temperature may be about1100° C. Alternatively and/or additionally, the second hot rolling starttemperature may be within the second temperature range. Alternativelyand/or additionally, the second hot rolling start temperature may begreater than 1100° C.

In some examples, the second hot rolling finishing temperature may beabout 900° C. Alternatively and/or additionally, the second hot rollingfinishing temperature may be within the third temperature range.Alternatively and/or additionally, the second hot rolling finishingtemperature may be greater than 900° C.

In some examples, the third thickness may be about 1 mm. Alternativelyand/or additionally, the third thickness may be one of: about 0.5 mm,about 1.5 mm, about 2 mm, about 2.5 mm, about 3.5 mm, about 4 mm, about4.5 mm, about 5 mm, about 6 mm, about 7 mm, about 8 mm, about 9 mm,about 10 mm, about 11 mm, about 12 mm, about 13 mm, about 14 mm or about15 mm. Alternatively and/or additionally, the third thickness may bewithin the second thickness range. Alternatively and/or additionally,the third thickness may be greater than 15 mm.

In some examples, a third thickness reduction of the thickness of thethermally homogenized product to the third thickness (e.g., of thesecond plate) may be about 93.3%. In an example, the thickness of thethermally homogenized product may be about 15 mm and the third thicknessmay be about 1 mm. Alternatively and/or additionally, the thirdthickness reduction of the thickness of the thermally homogenizedproduct to the third thickness may be one of: about 50%, about 55%,about 60%, about 65%, about 70%, about 75%, about 85%, about 90%, about95% or about 98%. Alternatively and/or additionally, the third thicknessreduction of the thickness of the thermally homogenized product to thethird thickness may be within a third reduction range (e.g., wherein thethird reduction range is one of: about 30% to 99%, preferably about 50%to 99%, 98%, more preferably about 75% to 97%, even more preferablyabout 85% to 96%, or especially preferred about 92% to 95%).

In some examples, responsive to (e.g., completion of) the hot rollingthe thermally homogenized product (e.g., and/or responsive to producingthe second plate with the third thickness), the second plate may be heattreated (e.g., and/or annealed) at a second heat treatment temperaturefor a fifth duration of time. In some examples, the second heattreatment temperature and/or the fifth duration of time may be basedupon the plurality of heat treatment processes of the table 400.Alternatively and/or additionally, the second heat treatment temperatureand/or the fifth duration of time may be different than (e.g., each of)the plurality of heat treatment processes of the table 400. In someexamples, the second heat treatment temperature may be configured suchthat a second crystal structure of a composition of the second plate hasone of: the second level of austenite, the third level of austenite, thefourth level of austenite or the fifth level of austenite (e.g., at oneor more times while the second plate is being heat treated and/or afterthe second plate is heat treated).

In some examples, responsive to (e.g., completion of the) heat treatingthe second plate, the second plate may be cooled (e.g., using aircooling methods and/or other cooling methods).

2.3 Processing Example 3

In some examples, a third method for producing an alloy steel may beimplemented. The third method may be distinguished as (e.g., an exampleof) a cold rolling process. The cold rolling process may comprise one ormore hot rolling steps and/or one or more cold rolling steps.

In some examples, the cold rolling process may comprise steps similar tosteps 205, 210, 215 and/or 220 of the method 200. For example, thethermally homogenized product may be hot rolled (e.g., at the hotrolling start temperature and/or the hot rolling finishing temperature)to produce a third plate with the first thickness (e.g., and/or a fourththickness).

In some examples, a fourth thickness reduction of the thickness of thethermally homogenized product to the first thickness (e.g., of the thirdplate) may be about 80%. In an example, the thickness of the thermallyhomogenized product may be about 15 mm and the first thickness may beabout 3 mm. Alternatively and/or additionally, the fourth thicknessreduction of the thickness of the thermally homogenized product to thefirst thickness may be one of: about 50%, about 55%, about 60%, about65%, about 70%, about 75%, about 85%, about 90% or about 95%.Alternatively and/or additionally, the fourth thickness reduction of thethickness of the thermally homogenized product to the first thicknessmay be within a fourth reduction range (e.g., wherein the fourthreduction range is one of: about 30% to 99%, preferably about 50% to95%, more preferably about 60% to 95%, even more preferably about 70% to90%, or especially preferred about 79% to 81%).

In some examples, responsive to (e.g., completion of) the hot rollingthe thermally homogenized product (e.g., and/or responsive to producingthe third plate), the third plate may be cooled (e.g., using air coolingmethods and/or other cooling methods) until the third plate reaches thefourth temperature. Responsive to the third plate reaching the fourthtemperature, a plate temperature of the third plate may be maintained atthe fifth temperature (e.g., and/or the fourth temperature) for thesecond duration of time.

In some examples, the third plate may not be cooled until the thirdplate reaches the fourth temperature and/or the plate temperature of thethird plate may not be maintained at the fifth temperature. In someexamples, the third plate may undergo a coiling process (e.g., inindustrial steel making) (e.g., rather than being cooled until the thirdplate reaches the fourth temperature and/or the plate temperature of thethird plate being maintained at the fifth temperature).

Responsive to completion of the maintaining the plate temperature of thethird plate at the fifth temperature (e.g., and/or the fourthtemperature) for the second duration of time and/or responsive tocompletion of the third plate undergoing the coiling process, the thirdplate may be cooled (e.g., using air cooling methods and/or othercooling methods) until the third plate reaches a ninth temperature.

The ninth temperature may correspond to ambient temperature (e.g., roomtemperature). Alternatively and/or additionally, the ninth temperaturemay be within a ninth temperature range (e.g., wherein the ninthtemperature range is one of: about 0° C. to 100° C., preferably about 5°C. to 50° C., more preferably about 10° C. to 40° C., even morepreferably about 15° C. to 30° C., or especially preferred about 20° C.to 25° C.).

In some examples, the third plate may be cold rolled at the ninthtemperature (e.g., and/or a tenth temperature) until the plate has thesecond thickness (e.g., and/or a fifth thickness). In some examples, thethird plate may be cold rolled responsive to the third plate reachingthe ninth temperature.

In some examples, a fifth thickness reduction of the first thickness ofthe third plate to the second thickness of the third plate may be about66.7%. In an example, the first thickness may be about 3 mm and thesecond thickness may be about 1 mm. Alternatively and/or additionally,the fifth thickness reduction of the first thickness to the secondthickness may be one of: about 25%, about 30%, about 35%, about 40%,about 45%, about 50%, about 55%, about 60%, about 65%, about 70%, about80%, about 85%, about 90% or about 95%. Alternatively and/oradditionally, the fifth thickness reduction of the first thickness tothe second thickness may be within a fifth reduction range (e.g.,wherein the fifth reduction range is one of: about 30% to 95%,preferably about 40% to 80%, more preferably about 50% to 75%, even morepreferably about 60% to 70%, or especially preferred about 65% to 70%).

In some examples, responsive to (e.g., completion of) the cold rollingthe third plate, the third plate may be heat treated (e.g., and/orannealed) at a third heat treatment temperature for a sixth duration oftime. In some examples, the third heat treatment temperature and/or thesixth duration of time may be based upon the plurality of heat treatmentprocess of the table 400. Alternatively and/or additionally, the thirdheat treatment temperature and/or the sixth duration of time may bedifferent than (e.g., each of) the plurality of heat treatment processof the table 400. In some examples, the third heat treatment temperaturemay be configured such that a third crystal structure of a compositionof the third plate has one of: the second level of austenite, the thirdlevel of austenite, the fourth level of austenite or the fifth level ofaustenite (e.g., at one or more times while the third plate is beingheat treated and/or after the third plate is heat treated).

In some examples, responsive to (e.g., completion of the) heat treatingthe third plate, the third plate may be cooled (e.g., using air coolingmethods and/or other cooling methods).

3. Illustration of Warm Rolling Process

FIGS. 3A-3G illustrate examples of a process 300 for producing an alloysteel. The process 300 may be distinguished as (e.g., an example of) thewarm rolling process.

FIG. 3A illustrates an alloy mixture 306 being melted to produce amelted alloy mixture 310. For example, the alloy mixture 306, having acomposition corresponding to an alloy of the plurality of alloys intable 100, may be melted using a (e.g., vacuum induction melting)furnace. In some examples, the alloy mixture 306 may be melted in acrucible 304. The crucible 304 may be an alumina crucible. FIG. 3Billustrates the melted alloy mixture 310 being formed into a product.For example, the melted alloy mixture 310 may be cast in a (e.g.,water-cooled) copper mold 308 to form the product.

FIG. 3C illustrates the product being heated to produce a thermallyhomogenized product 320. The product may comprise one or more slabs 312.In some examples, the one or more slabs 312 may be heated inside afurnace 316 at a first temperature (e.g., about 1100° C. or a differenttemperature) for a first duration of time (e.g., about 4 hours or adifferent duration of time). The one or more slabs 312 may be heatedusing a burner 314. Alternatively and/or additionally, the one or moreslabs 312 may be heated using one or more (other) heating devices (e.g.,electromagnetic heating devices, etc.) of the furnace 316.

FIG. 3D illustrates the thermally homogenized product 320 being hotrolled to produce a plate 324 with a first thickness. In some examples,the thermally homogenized product 320 may be hot rolled at one or morehot rolling temperatures. For example, the thermally homogenized product320 may undergo hot rolling wherein the thermally homogenized product320 may be hot rolled at a hot rolling start temperature (e.g., about1100° C. or a different temperature) at a beginning of the hot rolling(e.g., the thermally homogenized product 320) and the thermallyhomogenized product 320 may be hot rolled at a hot rolling finishingtemperature (e.g., about 900° C. or a different temperature) at an endof the hot rolling (e.g., the thermally homogenized product 320). Insome examples, a first thickness reduction of a thickness of thethermally homogenized product 320 to the first thickness (e.g., of theplate 324) may be about 80% (e.g., or a different value). In an example,the thickness of the thermally homogenized product 320 may be about 15mm and the first thickness may be about 3 mm.

In some examples, responsive to (e.g., completion of) the hot rollingthe thermally homogenized product 320 (e.g., and/or responsive toproducing the plate 324 with the first thickness), the plate 324 may becooled (e.g., using air cooling methods and/or other cooling methods)until the plate 324 reaches a second temperature (e.g., about 700° C. ora different temperature).

FIG. 3E illustrates the plate 324 being heated using a second furnace328. For example, responsive to the plate 324 reaching the secondtemperature, a plate temperature of the plate 324 may be maintained at athird temperature (e.g., about 700° C. or a different temperature) for asecond duration of time (e.g., about 1 hour or a different duration oftime). Alternatively and/or additionally, responsive to the plate 324reaching the second temperature, a second burner 326 (e.g., and/or oneor more heating devices of the second furnace 328) may be configured toheat the second furnace 328 (e.g., and/or maintain a temperature of thesecond furnace 328) at the third temperature for the second duration oftime. In some examples, the second furnace 328 may be the same as thefurnace 316. Alternatively and/or additionally, the second furnace 328may be different than the furnace 316.

FIG. 3F illustrates the plate 324 being warm rolled at a warm rollingtemperature (e.g., 450° C. or a different temperature) until the platehas a second thickness. In some examples, prior to the plate 324 beingwarm rolled, the plate 324 may be cooled (e.g., using air coolingmethods and/or other cooling methods) until the plate 324 reaches afourth temperature (e.g., 450° C. or a different temperature). In someexamples, a second thickness reduction of the first thickness (e.g., ofthe plate 324) to the second thickness (e.g., of the plate 324) may beabout 66.7% (e.g., or a different value). In an example, the secondthickness may be about 1 mm.

FIG. 3G illustrates the plate 324 being heat treated (e.g., and/orannealed) using a third furnace 334. In some examples, the third furnace334 may be a muffle furnace. For example, responsive to (e.g.,completion of the) warm rolling the plate 324, the plate 324 may be heattreated at a heat treatment temperature for a third duration of timeusing a third burner 332 and/or one or more heating devices of the thirdfurnace 334. In some examples, the third furnace 334 may be the same asthe furnace 316 and/or the second furnace 328. Alternatively and/oradditionally, the third furnace 334 may be different than the furnace316 and/or the second furnace 328. In some examples, the plate 324 maybe heat treated while (e.g., positioned) inside of (e.g., and/or on topof, adjacent to, etc.) a cast-iron filings medium.

4. Mechanical Properties of Alloys 4.1 Density Measurements of Alloys

FIG. 5 illustrates a table 500 of a plurality of density measurementscorresponding to the plurality of alloy steels (e.g., presented in thetable 100). The plurality of density measurements may be represented ingrams (g) per cubic centimeter (cm³). The plurality of densitymeasurements were measured at ambient temperature based upon theArchimedean technique using an electronic balance. The plurality ofdensity measurements may have been measured with a precision of ±0.01 g.The plurality of density measurements may range from about 7.43 g/cm³ to7.66 g/cm³. The plurality of density measurements were measured on a setof hot rolled alloy steels with compositions corresponding to (e.g.,each) the plurality of alloy steels. In some examples, each hot rolledalloy steel of the set of hot rolled alloy steels may have a thicknessof about 3 mm.

4.2 Mechanical Properties Example 1

FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate a table 600 of mechanical propertiescorresponding to the plurality of alloy steels (e.g., presented in thetable 100). In some examples, the table 600 may comprise a plurality ofsets of mechanical properties. Each set of mechanical properties of theplurality of sets of mechanical properties may correspond to an alloysteel of the plurality of alloy steels, a rolling process (e.g., wherein“HR” indicates the hot rolling process of the second method and “CR”indicates the cold rolling process of the third method) and/or a heattreatment process (e.g., corresponding to the plurality of heattreatment processes of the table 400).

For example, a first set of mechanical properties may correspond to afirst instance of the Alloy 1 that underwent the hot rolling process anddid not undergo a heat treatment process. The first instance of theAlloy 1 may have a yield strength of about 586±16 megapascals (MPa), atensile strength (e.g., and/or an ultimate tensile strength) of about695±12 MPa and an elongation of about 50.0±2%. Alternatively and/oradditionally, a second set of mechanical properties may correspond to asecond instance of the Alloy 1 that underwent the hot rolling processand underwent a heat treatment process HT 18 of the plurality of heattreatment processes of the table 400. The second instance of the Alloy 1may have a yield strength of about 219±2 MPa, a tensile strength (e.g.,and/or an ultimate tensile strength) of about 568±10 MPa and anelongation of about 83.0±5%.

The mechanical properties of the table 600 were measured using uniaxialtensile testing techniques at ambient temperature. Tests were performedon specimens of each (e.g., instance of each) alloy steel of the table100 and/or the table 600. Each specimen, prepared and/or produced byelectrical discharge machining techniques, had a cross-section of about3×1 mm² and/or a gauge length of about 11.4 mm. Uniaxial tensile testswere conducted along a rolling direction of the specimens using anInstron 5967 30 kN testing machine at a strain rate of 8.5×10⁻⁴ s⁻¹ (0.6mm/minute). Yield strengths were measured using a 0.2% offset plasticstrain method. Each measurement of the mechanical properties may be amean value of three measurements corresponding to three tests performedon three specimens (e.g., of the same type). A plurality of yieldstrength measurements of the table 600 may range from about 211 to 2000MPa. A plurality of tensile strength measurements of the table 600 mayrange from about 568 to 2070 MPa. A plurality of elongation measurementsof the table 600 may range from about 0.2% to 92.3%.

4.2 Mechanical Properties Example 2

FIGS. 7A-7D illustrate mechanical properties corresponding to a set ofalloy steels of the plurality of alloy steels (e.g., presented in thetable 100) that undergo (e.g., a process similar to) the warm rollingprocess of the method 200. The set of alloy steels may comprise an Alloy13, an Alloy 19 and an Alloy 23. The Alloy 13, the Alloy 19 and theAlloy 23 may be selected for the warm rolling process based uponwork-hardening capacities of the Alloy 13, the Alloy 19 and the Alloy 23(e.g., that may be higher than work-hardening capacities of other alloysteels of the plurality of alloy steels) determined based upon theplurality of sets of mechanical properties of the table 600.

FIG. 7A illustrates a table 700 of the mechanical propertiescorresponding to the set of alloy steels. In some examples, the table700 comprises a second plurality of sets of mechanical properties. Eachset of mechanical properties of the second plurality of sets ofmechanical properties may correspond to an alloy steel of the set ofalloy steels, the warm rolling process (e.g., wherein “WR” indicates thewarm rolling process of the method 200) and/or a heat treatment process(e.g., corresponding to the plurality of heat treatment processes of thetable 400).

The mechanical properties of the table 700 were measured using uniaxialtensile testing techniques at ambient temperature. Tests were performedon specimens of the Alloy 13, the Alloy 19 and the Alloy 23. Eachspecimen, prepared and/or produced by electrical discharge machiningtechniques, had a cross-section of about 3×1 mm² and/or a gauge lengthof about 11.4 mm. Each specimen may have been cut parallel to a rollingdirection. Uniaxial tensile tests were conducted on the specimens usingan Instron 5967 30 kN testing machine at an (e.g., initial) strain rateof 8.5×10⁻⁴ s⁻¹ (0.6 mm/minute). A second plurality of yield strengthmeasurements of the table 700 may range from about 345 to 1603 MPa. Asecond plurality of tensile strength measurements of the table 700 mayrange from about 1280 to 1824 MPa. A plurality of elongationmeasurements of the table 600 may range from about 18% to 55.1%.

For example, a first set of mechanical properties of the table 700 maycorrespond to a first instance of the Alloy 13 that underwent the warmrolling process and did not undergo a heat treatment process. The firstinstance of the Alloy 13 may have a yield strength of about 1495±19 MPa,a tensile strength (e.g., and/or an ultimate tensile strength) of about1824±59 MPa and an elongation of about 18±5%.

Alternatively and/or additionally, a second set of mechanical propertiesof the table 700 may correspond to a second instance of the Alloy 13that underwent the warm rolling process and underwent the heat treatmentprocess HT 1 of the plurality of heat treatment processes of the table400. In some examples, the first heat treatment temperature of the heattreatment process HT 1 may cause a crystal structure of the Alloy 13 tohave the second level of austenite. The second instance of the Alloy 13may have a yield strength of about 1000±22 MPa, a tensile strength ofabout 1579±71 MPa and an elongation of about 34.8±7%.

Alternatively and/or additionally, a third set of mechanical propertiesof the table 700 may correspond to a third instance of the Alloy 13 thatunderwent the warm rolling process and underwent a heat treatmentprocess HT 5 of the plurality of heat treatment processes of the table400. In some examples, a heat treatment temperature of the heattreatment process HT 5 may cause the crystal structure of the Alloy 13to have the third level of austenite. The third instance of the Alloy 13may have a yield strength of about 1040±43 MPa, a tensile strength ofabout 1740±44 MPa and an elongation of about 36.8±9%.

Alternatively and/or additionally, a fourth set of mechanical propertiesof the table 700 may correspond to a fourth instance of the Alloy 13that underwent the warm rolling process and underwent a heat treatmentprocess HT 9 of the plurality of heat treatment processes of the table400. In some examples, a heat treatment temperature of the heattreatment process HT 9 may cause the crystal structure of the Alloy 13to have the fourth level of austenite. The fourth instance of the Alloy13 may have a yield strength of about 1050±21 MPa, a tensile strength ofabout 1570±32 MPa and an elongation of about 33±8%.

Alternatively and/or additionally, a fifth set of mechanical propertiesof the table 700 may correspond to a fifth instance of the Alloy 13 thatunderwent the warm rolling process and underwent a heat treatmentprocess HT 17 of the plurality of heat treatment processes of the table400. In some examples, a heat treatment temperature of the heattreatment process HT 17 may cause the crystal structure of the Alloy 13to have the fifth level of austenite. The fifth instance of the Alloy 13may have a yield strength of about 345±10 MPa, a tensile strength ofabout 1500±19 MPa and an elongation of about 32.8±8%.

Alternatively and/or additionally, a sixth set of mechanical propertiesof the table 700 may correspond to a first instance of the Alloy 19 thatunderwent the warm rolling process and did not undergo a heat treatmentprocess. The first instance of the Alloy 19 may have a yield strength ofabout 1143±44 MPa, a tensile strength of about 1570±55 MPa and anelongation of about 48±7%.

Alternatively and/or additionally, a seventh set of mechanicalproperties of the table 700 may correspond to a second instance of theAlloy 19 that underwent the warm rolling process and underwent a heattreatment process HT 2 of the plurality of heat treatment processes ofthe table 400. In some examples, a heat treatment temperature of theheat treatment process HT 2 may cause a crystal structure of the Alloy19 to have the second level of austenite. The second instance of theAlloy 19 may have a yield strength of about 1050±21 MPa, a tensilestrength of about 1400±32 MPa and an elongation of about 48.8±4%.

Alternatively and/or additionally, an eighth set of mechanicalproperties of the table 700 may correspond to a third instance of theAlloy 19 that underwent the warm rolling process and underwent the heattreatment process HT 5 of the plurality of heat treatment processes ofthe table 400. In some examples, the heat treatment temperature of theheat treatment process HT 5 may cause the crystal structure of the Alloy19 to have the third level of austenite. The third instance of the Alloy19 may have a yield strength of about 1040±54 MPa, a tensile strength ofabout 1370±17 MPa and an elongation of about 50.3±11%.

Alternatively and/or additionally, a ninth set of mechanical propertiesof the table 700 may correspond to a fourth instance of the Alloy 19that underwent the warm rolling process and underwent a heat treatmentprocess HT 11 of the plurality of heat treatment processes of the table400. In some examples, a heat treatment temperature of the heattreatment process HT 11 may cause the crystal structure of the Alloy 19to have the fourth level of austenite. The fourth instance of the Alloy19 may have a yield strength of about 770±17 MPa, a tensile strength ofabout 1440±26 MPa and an elongation of about 50±8%.

Alternatively and/or additionally, a tenth set of mechanical propertiesof the table 700 may correspond to a fifth instance of the Alloy 19 thatunderwent the warm rolling process and underwent the heat treatmentprocess HT 17 of the plurality of heat treatment processes of the table400. In some examples, the heat treatment temperature of the heattreatment process HT 17 may cause the crystal structure of the Alloy 19to have the fifth level of austenite. The fifth instance of the Alloy 19may have a yield strength of about 413±21 MPa, a tensile strength ofabout 1280±12 MPa and an elongation of about 52±10%.

Alternatively and/or additionally, an eleventh set of mechanicalproperties of the table 700 may correspond to a first instance of theAlloy 23 that underwent the warm rolling process and did not undergo aheat treatment process. The first instance of the Alloy 23 may have ayield strength of about 1500±15 MPa, a tensile strength of about 1650±22MPa and an elongation of about 28.8±3%.

Alternatively and/or additionally, a twelfth set of mechanicalproperties of the table 700 may correspond to a second instance of theAlloy 23 that underwent the warm rolling process and underwent a heattreatment process HT 3 of the plurality of heat treatment processes ofthe table 400. In some examples, a heat treatment temperature of theheat treatment process HT 3 may cause a crystal structure of the Alloy23 to have the second level of austenite. The second instance of theAlloy 23 may have a yield strength of about 1603±19 MPa, a tensilestrength of about 1730±32 MPa and an elongation of about 42±5%.

Alternatively and/or additionally, a thirteenth set of mechanicalproperties of the table 700 may correspond to a third instance of theAlloy 23 that underwent the warm rolling process and underwent a heattreatment process HT 6 of the plurality of heat treatment processes ofthe table 400. In some examples, a heat treatment temperature of theheat treatment process HT 6 may cause the crystal structure of the Alloy23 to have the third level of austenite. The third instance of the Alloy23 may have a yield strength of about 1510±11 MPa, a tensile strength ofabout 1720±20 MPa and an elongation of about 45.4±6%.

Alternatively and/or additionally, a fourteenth set of mechanicalproperties of the table 700 may correspond to a fourth instance of theAlloy 23 that underwent the warm rolling process and underwent a heattreatment process HT 10 of the plurality of heat treatment processes ofthe table 400. In some examples, a heat treatment temperature of theheat treatment process HT 10 may cause the crystal structure of theAlloy 23 to have the fourth level of austenite. The fourth instance ofthe Alloy 23 may have a yield strength of about 1500±18 MPa, a tensilestrength of about 1690±33 MPa and an elongation of about 45±4%.

Alternatively and/or additionally, a fifteenth set of mechanicalproperties of the table 700 may correspond to a fifth instance of theAlloy 23 that underwent the warm rolling process and underwent the heattreatment process HT 17 of the plurality of heat treatment processes ofthe table 400. In some examples, the heat treatment temperature of theheat treatment process HT 17 may cause the crystal structure of theAlloy 23 to have the fifth level of austenite. The fifth instance of theAlloy 23 may have a yield strength of about 561.2±14 MPa, a tensilestrength of about 1670±21 MPa and an elongation of about 55.1±15%.

FIG. 7B illustrates a stress-strain diagram corresponding to the Alloy13. Stress (MPa) values (e.g., y-axis) are shown as a function ofelongation (%) values (e.g., x-axis). In some examples, a first curve722 may represent the first instance of the Alloy 13 that underwent thewarm rolling process and did not undergo a heat treatment process.Alternatively and/or additionally, a second curve 730 may represent thethird instance of the Alloy 13 that underwent the warm rolling processand underwent the heat treatment process HT 5. Alternatively and/oradditionally, a third curve 728 may represent the second instance of theAlloy 13 that underwent the warm rolling process and underwent the heattreatment process HT 1. Alternatively and/or additionally, a fourthcurve 726 may represent the fourth instance of the Alloy 13 thatunderwent the warm rolling process and underwent the heat treatmentprocess HT 9. Alternatively and/or additionally, a fifth curve 724 mayrepresent the fifth instance of the Alloy 13 that underwent the warmrolling process and underwent the heat treatment process HT 17.

FIG. 7C illustrates a stress-strain diagram corresponding to the Alloy19. Stress (MPa) values (e.g., y-axis) are shown as a function ofelongation (%) values (e.g., x-axis). In some examples, a first curve742 may represent the first instance of the Alloy 19 that underwent thewarm rolling process and did not undergo a heat treatment process.Alternatively and/or additionally, a second curve 744 may represent thethird instance of the Alloy 19 that underwent the warm rolling processand underwent the heat treatment process HT 5. Alternatively and/oradditionally, a third curve 746 may represent the second instance of theAlloy 19 that underwent the warm rolling process and underwent the heattreatment process HT 2. Alternatively and/or additionally, a fourthcurve 748 may represent the fourth instance of the Alloy 19 thatunderwent the warm rolling process and underwent the heat treatmentprocess HT 11. Alternatively and/or additionally, a fifth curve 750 mayrepresent the fifth instance of the Alloy 19 that underwent the warmrolling process and underwent the heat treatment process HT 17.

FIG. 7D illustrates a stress-strain diagram corresponding to the Alloy23. Stress (MPa) values (e.g., y-axis) are shown as a function ofelongation (%) values (e.g., x-axis). In some examples, a first curve762 may represent the first instance of the Alloy 23 that underwent thewarm rolling process and did not undergo a heat treatment process.Alternatively and/or additionally, a second curve 764 may represent thesecond instance of the Alloy 23 that underwent the warm rolling processand underwent the heat treatment process HT 3. Alternatively and/oradditionally, a third curve 766 may represent the third instance of theAlloy 19 that underwent the warm rolling process and underwent the heattreatment process HT 6. Alternatively and/or additionally, a fourthcurve 768 may represent the fourth instance of the Alloy 23 thatunderwent the warm rolling process and underwent the heat treatmentprocess HT 10. Alternatively and/or additionally, a fifth curve 770 mayrepresent the fifth instance of the Alloy 23 that underwent the warmrolling process and underwent the heat treatment process HT 17.

4.3 Mechanical Properties Example 3

The Alloy 13, the Alloy 19 and/or the Alloy 23 may undergo a processsimilar to the cold rolling process of the third method. For example,the process may comprise melting an alloy mixture to produce a meltedalloy mixture using a (e.g., vacuum induction melting) furnace. In someexamples, an argon atmosphere (e.g., and/or a different type ofatmosphere) may be maintained in the furnace. The melted alloy mixturemay be formed into a product (e.g., using one or more fastsolidification methods). For example, the melted alloy mixture may becast in a water-cooled copper mold to form the product (e.g., comprisingone or more slabs, one or more ingots and/or one or more billets).

In some examples, the product may be heated to produce a thermallyhomogenized product. For example, the product may be heated to a firsttemperature for a first duration of time. A temperature of the productmay be maintained at the first temperature for the first duration oftime. In some examples, the first temperature may be about 1100° C.(e.g., and/or a different temperature). In some examples, the firstduration of time may be about 2 hours (e.g., and/or a different durationof time).

In some examples, a thickness of the thermally homogenized product maybe 15 mm. For example, a size of the thermally homogenized product maybe 50×30×15 mm³. The thermally homogenized product may be hot rolled(e.g., for 10 passes and/or a different number of passes) to produce aplate with a first thickness (e.g., about 3 mm or a differentthickness). In some examples, the thermally homogenized product may berolled using a 200 mm trial rolling mill. In some examples, thethermally homogenized product may undergo hot rolling wherein thethermally homogenized product may be hot rolled at a hot rolling starttemperature at a beginning of the hot rolling (e.g., the thermallyhomogenized product) and the thermally homogenized product may be hotrolled at a hot rolling finishing temperature at an end of the hotrolling (e.g., the thermally homogenized product). The hot rolling starttemperature may be about 1100° C. (e.g., and/or a different temperature)and/or the hot rolling finishing temperature may be about 950° C. (e.g.,and/or a different temperature).

Responsive to (e.g., completion of) the hot rolling the thermallyhomogenized product (e.g., and/or responsive to producing the plate),the plate may be cooled (e.g., using air cooling methods and/or othercooling methods) until the plate reaches a second temperature (e.g.,about 700° C. or a different temperature). Responsive to the platereaching the second temperature, a plate temperature of the plate may bemaintained at a third temperature (e.g., about 700° C. or a differenttemperature) for a second duration of time (e.g., 1 hour and/or adifferent duration of time). In some examples, rather than cooling theplate until the plate reaches the second temperature, the plate may becooled until the plate reaches ambient temperature. The plate may thenbe heated to a fourth temperature (e.g., about 700° C. or a differenttemperature). Responsive to the plate reaching the fourth temperature,the plate temperature of the plate may be maintained at the thirdtemperature for the second duration of time.

Responsive to completion of the maintaining the plate temperature of theplate at the third temperature for the second duration of time and/orresponsive to completion of the plate undergoing the coiling process,the plate may be cooled (e.g., using air cooling methods and/or othercooling methods) until the plate reaches a fifth temperature (e.g.,ambient temperature and/or a different temperature).

In some examples, the plate may be cold rolled at the fifth temperatureuntil the plate has a second thickness. In some examples, a cold rollingthickness reduction of the first thickness to the second thickness maybe at a first thickness reduction level (e.g., about 33%), a secondthickness reduction level (e.g., about 40%) or a third thicknessreduction level (e.g., about 44%).

In some examples, responsive to (e.g., completion of) the cold rollingthe plate, the plate may be heat treated (e.g., and/or annealed) at aheat treatment temperature for a third duration of time. In someexamples, the heat treatment temperature and/or the third duration oftime may be based upon the plurality of heat treatment process of thetable 400. Alternatively and/or additionally, the heat treatmenttemperature and/or the third duration of time may be different than(e.g., each of) the plurality of heat treatment process of the table400. In some examples, the heat treatment temperature may be configuredsuch that a crystal structure of a composition of the plate has one of:a second level of austenite (e.g., about 20%), a third level ofaustenite (e.g., about 50%), a fourth level of austenite (e.g., about80%) or a fifth level of austenite (e.g., about 100%) (e.g., at one ormore times while the plate is being heat treated and/or after the plateis heat treated).

In some examples, responsive to (e.g., completion of the) heat treatingthe third plate, the third plate may be cooled (e.g., using air coolingmethods and/or other cooling methods).

FIG. 8 illustrates a table 800 of mechanical properties corresponding tothe Alloy 13, the Alloy 19 and the Alloy 23. In some examples, the table800 comprises a third plurality of sets of mechanical properties. Eachset of mechanical properties of the third plurality of sets ofmechanical properties may correspond to an alloy steel (e.g., the Alloy13, the Alloy 19 or the Alloy 23), a rolling process (e.g., wherein “CR”indicates the cold rolling process of the third method), the coldrolling thickness reduction (e.g., the first thickness reduction levelof about 33%, the second thickness reduction level of about 40% or thethird thickness reduction level of about 44%) and/or a heat treatmentprocess (e.g., corresponding to the plurality of heat treatmentprocesses of the table 400).

A third plurality of yield strength measurements of the table 800 mayrange from about 590 to 1557 MPa. A third plurality of tensile strengthmeasurements of the table 800 may range from about 1310 to 2200 MPa. Athird plurality of elongation measurements of the table 800 may rangefrom about 3.4% to 67.2%.

One or more alloy steels provided herein and/or one or more methods forproducing alloy steels may lead to benefits including improvedmechanical properties, such as a combination of higher ductility (e.g.,elongation), higher yield strength and/or higher tensile strength.Accordingly, the one or more alloy steels may be beneficial for use in avariety of applications such as motor vehicles, ships, roads, railways,appliances, buildings, industrial applications, etc. For example, aweight of a motor-vehicle employing the one or more alloy steels mayhave less weight than a motor-vehicle employing different steels.Further, a safety, fuel consumption, etc. of the motor-vehicle mayincrease as a result of the higher yield strength, higher tensilestrength, higher ductility and/or the reduction in weight.

Further, (e.g., chemical compositions of) the one or more alloy steelscomprise low-cost elements and/or materials and do not comprise (e.g., asubstantial amount of) high-cost elements and/or materials. Accordingly,the one or more alloy steels may be beneficial for use in a variety ofapplications such as motor vehicles, ships, roads, railways, appliances,buildings, industrial applications, etc. as a result of the lower costsof the one or more alloy steels.

Unless specified otherwise, “first,” “second,” and/or the like are notintended to imply a temporal aspect, a spatial aspect, an ordering, etc.Rather, such terms are merely used as identifiers, names, etc. forfeatures, elements, items, etc. For example, a first object and a secondobject generally correspond to object A and object B or two different ortwo identical objects or the same object.

Moreover, “example” is used herein to mean serving as an instance,illustration, etc., and not necessarily as advantageous. As used herein,“or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive“or”. In addition, “a” and “an” as used in this application aregenerally be construed to mean “one or more” unless specified otherwiseor clear from context to be directed to a singular form. Also, at leastone of A and B and/or the like generally means A or B or both A and B.Furthermore, to the extent that “includes”, “having”, “has”, “with”,and/or variants thereof are used in either the detailed description orthe claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similarto the term “comprising”.

Although the subject matter has been described in language specific tostructural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understoodthat the subject matter defined in the appended claims is notnecessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above.Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed asexample forms of implementing at least some of the claims.

Various operations of embodiments and/or examples are provided herein.The order in which some or all of the operations are described hereinshould not be construed as to imply that these operations arenecessarily order dependent. Alternative ordering will be appreciated byone skilled in the art having the benefit of this description. Further,it will be understood that not all operations are necessarily present ineach embodiment and/or example provided herein. Also, it will beunderstood that not all operations are necessary in some embodimentsand/or examples.

Also, although the disclosure has been shown and described with respectto one or more implementations, equivalent alterations and modificationswill occur to others skilled in the art based upon a reading andunderstanding of this specification and the annexed drawings. Thedisclosure includes all such modifications and alterations and islimited only by the scope of the following claims. In particular regardto the various functions performed by the above described components(e.g., elements, resources, etc.), the terms used to describe suchcomponents are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, toany component which performs the specified function of the describedcomponent (e.g., that is functionally equivalent), even though notstructurally equivalent to the disclosed structure. In addition, while aparticular feature of the disclosure may have been disclosed withrespect to only one of several implementations, such feature may becombined with one or more other features of the other implementations asmay be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for producing an alloy steel,comprising: melting an alloy mixture to produce a melted alloy mixture,wherein the alloy mixture comprises: 2 to 4 weight % chromium (Cr); 12to 16 weight % manganese (Mn); at most 4 weight % silicone (Si); 1 to 3weight % aluminum (Al); at most 0.3 weight % carbon (C); and iron (Fe);forming the melted alloy mixture into a product; heating the product toproduce a thermally homogenized product; hot rolling the thermallyhomogenized product into a plate with a first thickness; and warmrolling the plate at a warm rolling temperature until the plate has asecond thickness, wherein the warm rolling temperature is between 350°C. and 550° C.
 2. The method of claim 1, comprising: responsive to warmrolling the plate, heat treating the plate at a heat treatmenttemperature for a first duration of time, wherein: the chromium ispresent at 2.9 to 3.1 weight %; the manganese is present at 13.9 to 14.1weight %; the silicone is present at 0.9 to 1.1 weight %; the aluminumis present at 1.9 to 2.1 weight %; the carbon is present at 0.05 to 0.15weight %; and the heat treatment temperature is between 180° C. and 220°C. and the first duration of time is between 15 minutes and 25 minutes,wherein the plate has a tensile strength of at least 1508 MPa, a yieldstrength of at least 978 MPa and a total elongation of at least 27.8%.3. The method of claim 1, comprising: responsive to warm rolling theplate, heat treating the plate at a heat treatment temperature for afirst duration of time, wherein: the chromium is present at 2.9 to 3.1weight %; the manganese is present at 13.9 to 14.1 weight %; thesilicone is present at 0.9 to 1.1 weight %; the aluminum is present at1.9 to 2.1 weight %; the carbon is present at 0.05 to 0.15 weight %; andthe heat treatment temperature is between 430° C. and 470° C. and thefirst duration of time is between 15 minutes and 25 minutes, wherein theplate has a tensile strength of at least 1696 MPa, a yield strength ofat least 907 MPa and a total elongation of at least 27.8%.
 4. The methodof claim 1, comprising: responsive to warm rolling the plate, heattreating the plate at a heat treatment temperature for a first durationof time, wherein: the chromium is present at 2.9 to 3.1 weight %; themanganese is present at 13.9 to 14.1 weight %; the silicone is presentat 0.9 to 1.1 weight %; the aluminum is present at 1.9 to 2.1 weight %;the carbon is present at 0.05 to 0.15 weight %; and the heat treatmenttemperature is between 500° C. and 540° C. and the first duration oftime is between 15 minutes and 25 minutes, wherein the plate has atensile strength of at least 1538 MPa, a yield strength of at least 1029MPa and a total elongation of at least 25%.
 5. The method of claim 1,comprising: responsive to warm rolling the plate, heat treating theplate at a heat treatment temperature for a first duration of time,wherein: the chromium is present at 2.9 to 3.1 weight %; the manganeseis present at 13.9 to 14.1 weight %; the silicone is present at 0.9 to1.1 weight %; the aluminum is present at 1.9 to 2.1 weight %; the carbonis present at 0.05 to 0.15 weight %; and the heat treatment temperatureis between 800° C. and 900° C. and the first duration of time is between5 minutes and 15 minutes, wherein the plate has a tensile strength of atleast 1481 MPa, a yield strength of at least 335 MPa and a totalelongation of at least 24.8%.
 6. The method of claim 1, comprising:responsive to warm rolling the plate, heat treating the plate at a heattreatment temperature for a first duration of time, wherein: the alloymixture has a copper content of 1.5 to 2.5 weight %; the chromium ispresent at 2.9 to 3.1 weight %; the manganese is present at 13.9 to 14.1weight %; the silicone is present at 0.9 to 1.1 weight %; the aluminumis present at 1.9 to 2.1 weight %; the carbon is present at 0.05 to 0.15weight %; and the heat treatment temperature is between 270° C. and 310°C. and the first duration of time is between 15 minutes and 25 minutes,wherein the plate has a tensile strength of at least 1368 MPa, a yieldstrength of at least 1029 MPa and a total elongation of at least 44.8%.7. The method of claim 1, comprising: responsive to warm rolling theplate, heat treating the plate at a heat treatment temperature for afirst duration of time, wherein: the alloy mixture has a copper contentof 1.5 to 2.5 weight %; the chromium is present at 2.9 to 3.1 weight %;the manganese is present at 13.9 to 14.1 weight %; the silicone ispresent at 0.9 to 1.1 weight %; the aluminum is present at 1.9 to 2.1weight %; the carbon is present at 0.05 to 0.15 weight %; and the heattreatment temperature is between 430° C. and 470° C. and the firstduration of time is between 15 minutes and 25 minutes, wherein the platehas a tensile strength of at least 1353 MPa, a yield strength of atleast 986 MPa and a total elongation of at least 39.3%.
 8. The method ofclaim 1, comprising: responsive to warm rolling the plate, heat treatingthe plate at a heat treatment temperature for a first duration of time,wherein: the alloy mixture has a copper content of 1.5 to 2.5 weight %;the chromium is present at 2.9 to 3.1 weight %; the manganese is presentat 13.9 to 14.1 weight %; the silicone is present at 0.9 to 1.1 weight%; the aluminum is present at 1.9 to 2.1 weight %; the carbon is presentat 0.05 to 0.15 weight %; and the heat treatment temperature is between560° C. and 600° C. and the first duration of time is between 15 minutesand 25 minutes, wherein the plate has a tensile strength of at least1414 MPa, a yield strength of at least 753 MPa and a total elongation ofat least 42%.
 9. The method of claim 1, comprising: responsive to warmrolling the plate, heat treating the plate at a heat treatmenttemperature for a first duration of time, wherein: the alloy mixture hasa copper content of 1.5 to 2.5 weight %; the chromium is present at 2.9to 3.1 weight %; the manganese is present at 13.9 to 14.1 weight %; thesilicone is present at 0.9 to 1.1 weight %; the aluminum is present at1.9 to 2.1 weight %; the carbon is present at 0.05 to 0.15 weight %; andthe heat treatment temperature is between 800° C. and 900° C. and thefirst duration of time is between 5 minutes and 15 minutes, wherein theplate has a tensile strength of at least 1268 MPa, a yield strength ofat least 392 MPa and a total elongation of at least 42%.
 10. The methodof claim 1, comprising: responsive to warm rolling the plate, heattreating the plate at a heat treatment temperature for a first durationof time, wherein: the alloy mixture has a copper content of 0.5 to 1.1weight %; the alloy mixture has a nickel content of 1.0 to 1.6 weight %;the chromium is present at 2.4 to 2.6 weight %; the manganese is presentat 13.9 to 14.1 weight %; the silicone is present at 2.6 to 2.8 weight%; the aluminum is present at 1.9 to 2.1 weight %; the carbon is presentat 0.15 to 0.25 weight %; and the heat treatment temperature is between280° C. and 320° C. and the first duration of time is between 15 minutesand 25 minutes, wherein the plate has a tensile strength of at least1698 MPa, a yield strength of at least 1584 MPa and a total elongationof at least 37%.
 11. The method of claim 1, comprising: responsive towarm rolling the plate, heat treating the plate at a heat treatmenttemperature for a first duration of time, wherein: the alloy mixture hasa copper content of 0.5 to 1.1 weight %; the alloy mixture has a nickelcontent of 1.0 to 1.6 weight %; the chromium is present at 2.4 to 2.6weight %; the manganese is present at 13.9 to 14.1 weight %; thesilicone is present at 2.6 to 2.8 weight %; the aluminum is present at1.9 to 2.1 weight %; the carbon is present at 0.15 to 0.25 weight %; andthe heat treatment temperature is between 450° C. and 490° C. and thefirst duration of time is between 15 minutes and 25 minutes, wherein theplate has a tensile strength of at least 1700 MPa, a yield strength ofat least 1499 MPa and a total elongation of at least 39.4%.
 12. Themethod of claim 1, comprising: responsive to warm rolling the plate,heat treating the plate at a heat treatment temperature for a firstduration of time, wherein: the alloy mixture has a copper content of 0.5to 1.1 weight %; the alloy mixture has a nickel content of 1.0 to 1.6weight %; the chromium is present at 2.4 to 2.6 weight %; the manganeseis present at 13.9 to 14.1 weight %; the silicone is present at 2.6 to2.8 weight %; the aluminum is present at 1.9 to 2.1 weight %; the carbonis present at 0.15 to 0.25 weight %; and the heat treatment temperatureis between 530° C. and 570° C. and the first duration of time is between15 minutes and 25 minutes, wherein the plate has a tensile strength ofat least 1657 MPa, a yield strength of at least 1482 MPa and a totalelongation of at least 41%.
 13. The method of claim 1, comprising:responsive to warm rolling the plate, heat treating the plate at a heattreatment temperature for a first duration of time, wherein: the alloymixture has a copper content of 0.5 to 1.1 weight %; the alloy mixturehas a nickel content of 1.0 to 1.6 weight %; the chromium is present at2.4 to 2.6 weight %; the manganese is present at 13.9 to 14.1 weight %;the silicone is present at 2.6 to 2.8 weight %; the aluminum is presentat 1.9 to 2.1 weight %; the carbon is present at 0.15 to 0.25 weight %;and the heat treatment temperature is between 800° C. and 900° C. andthe first duration of time is between 5 minutes and 15 minutes, whereinthe plate has a tensile strength of at least 1649 MPa, a yield strengthof at least 547.2 MPa and a total elongation of at least 40.1%.
 14. Amethod for producing an alloy steel, comprising: melting an alloymixture to produce a melted alloy mixture; forming the melted alloymixture into a product; heating the product to produce a thermallyhomogenized product; hot rolling the thermally homogenized product intoa plate with a first thickness; and warm rolling the plate at a warmrolling temperature until the plate has a second thickness, wherein thewarm rolling temperature is configured such that a crystal structure ofthe plate has 30 to 70 volume % austenite.
 15. A method for producing analloy steel, comprising: melting an alloy mixture to produce a meltedalloy mixture; forming the melted alloy mixture into a product; heatingthe product to produce a thermally homogenized product; hot rolling thethermally homogenized product into a plate with a first thickness; andwarm rolling the plate at a warm rolling temperature until the plate hasa second thickness, wherein the warm rolling temperature is between 350°C. and 550° C.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein at least one of: thesecond thickness is between 0.9 millimeters (mm) and 1.1 mm; or athickness reduction of the first thickness to the second thickness is60% to 70%.
 17. The method of claim 15, wherein: the thermallyhomogenized product is hot rolled at one or more hot rollingtemperatures between 800° C. and 1200° C.; the product comprises atleast one of one or more slabs, one or more ingots or one or morebillets; and at least one of: the first thickness is between 2 mm and 4mm; or a thickness reduction of a thickness of the thermally homogenizedproduct to the first thickness is 70% to 90%.
 18. The method of claim15, wherein the product is heated at 1000° C. to 1200° C. for 3 to 5hours to produce the thermally homogenized product.
 19. The method ofclaim 15, comprising: prior to warm rolling the plate and responsive tohot rolling the plate, cooling the plate until the plate reaches asecond temperature between 500° C. and 900° C.; and responsive to theplate reaching the second temperature, maintaining a temperature of theplate for 45 min to 75 min at a third temperature between 500° C. and900° C.
 20. The method of claim 15, comprising: responsive to warmrolling the plate, heat treating the plate at a heat treatmenttemperature, wherein the heat treatment temperature is configured suchthat at least one of: 15 to 25 volume % austenite is formed; 40 to 60volume % austenite is formed; 70 to 90 volume % austenite is formed; orat least 95 volume % austenite is formed.